The book of the Bible - 1 Peter - is a letter from the disciple of Jesus to early Christians suffering at the hands of a hostile culture. In chapter 4 of the letter, Peter advises his hearers: "arm yourselves."

That may sound understandable - considering the context. However, Peter is not advising them to literally take up arms against their abusers. He's speaking about a different kind of conflict. Not one without - - but within.

While we don't live in the same hostile setting as Peter's hearers - - every culture has components that do not coincide with the Christian faith. How do we resist them? In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks how to "arm yourself" as a Christian.

In 1 Peter chapters 2 and 3 - Peter shares "guidelines for holy living" to the Christian people he's writing to. Now, that may sound exactly like the kind of thing you'd expect the Bible to talk about, and therefore, for Peter to be writing about.

But once you know the context of the audience - the "reasonableness" of it all starts to go out the window.

What guidelines would you give someone who was living in a tyrannical state, oppressed by governmental forces? What advice would you give to people living under active persecution?

Peter's answer may surprise you. And his advice is just as essential for those of us living in a culture that is accepting of our religion, as it is for those who live in places hostile to it.

Listen and learn Peter's advice - and why it is essential for you.

This sermon is based on 1 Peter 2:1-12 in which Peter implores his audience to long for the pure spiritual milk of the good news so that they can taste that the Lord is good.